Poll: Is "A Song of Ice and Fire" worth my time?

[Anachronism]

The short answer is yes. A Song of Ice and Fire is, without hyperbole, one of the best series of novels I've ever read. Go and read it. Now.

I had another question: do the books actually allow you to get attached to any characters? I actually gave myself a major spoiler by reading about the book on wikipedia and found out that one of my favourite characters dies fairly early on, which was a pretty big shock. Can I expect everyone else I care about to do the same?

This is a bit of an awkward question. Yes, you definitely will get attached to the characters, even to ones you probably shouldn't (such as Jaime Lannister). Unfortunately, GRRM is a cruel bastard who thoroughly enjoys inflicting horrible torments on, and outright murdering the characters. It's a series were anyone can, and often will, die. The thing is, the fact that you've become so attached to them over time makes these moments even more powerful. There were moments in book 3 which had me in tears, and needing to put the book down for a while.

If you want my full opinion on the books, I wrote a review [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.190550-A-Song-of-Ice-and-Fire#5941149] a while back. A shameless plug, I know, but you might find it helpful.